I have eaten nothing since--since--" Nell uttered these few words like one unused to speak much.

They were in the Gaelic language, which was often spoken by Simon and his family.
Madge immediately brought her some food; she was evidently famished.

It was impossible to say how long she might have been in that pit.
"How many days had you been down there, dearie ?" inquired Madge.
Nell made no answer; she seemed not to understand the question.
"How many days, do you think ?" "Days ?" repeated Nell, as though the word had no meaning for her, and she shook her head to signify entire want of comprehension.
Madge took her hand, and stroked it caressingly.

"How old are you, my lassie ?" she asked, smiling kindly at her.
Nell shook her head again.
"Yes, yes," continued Madge, "how many years old ?" "Years ?" replied Nell.

She seemed to understand that word no better than days! Simon, Harry, Jack, and the rest, looked on with an air of mingled compassion, wonder, and sympathy.